Stay updated with the official timeline for CMAT 2026:

To appear for the CMAT 2026 exam, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Educational Qualification:
  A bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
  Final-year undergraduate students can also apply, provided they complete their degree before the admission process concludes.
  The candidate must be a citizen of India.


• Age Limit: There is no age limit for CMAT 2026.

• Exam Duration: 3 hours


• Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)


• Total Questions: 100


• Marking Scheme: +4 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect answer

• Each question carries 04 (four) marks.


• For each correct response, candidate will get 04 (four) marks.


• For each incorrect response, 01 (one) mark will be deducted from the total score.


• Un-answered/un-attempted will be given no marks.


• To answer a question, the candidate needs to choose one option as correct option.


• However, after the process of Challenges of the Answer Key, in case there are multiple correct options or change in key, only those candidates who have attempted it correctly as per the revised Answer key will be awarded marks.


• In case a Question is dropped due to some technical error, full marks shall be given to all the candidates irrespective of the fact who have attempted it or not.

The CMAT cutoff varies across institutes. Factors influencing cutoffs include:

• Appear for the CMAT 2026 exam.


• Check institute-specific cutoffs.


• Shortlisted candidates will participate in Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), or Written Ability Test (WAT).


• Final selection will be based on overall performance, including academic records and CMAT scores.

The CMAT syllabus is similar to other MBA entrance exams and covers key topics in Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Refer to the table below for the important CMAT topics.

The CMAT syllabus is divided into five sections:

The XAT 2025 academic qualifying requirements for admission to all XAMI-affiliated colleges and other MBA programs accepting XAT scores are as follows:

• Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the sections, marking scheme, and topics.


• Create a Study Plan: Allocate time for each section and stick to a disciplined schedule.


• Practice Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to improve time management and identify weak areas.


• Refer to Quality Study Material: Use comprehensive guides and online resources.


• Join Manoeuvre Education: Access expert faculty, personalized guidance, and a structured preparation roadmap.

Manoeuvre Education provides specialized coaching, Online/Live, Classroom, self-study packages, and mock tests tailored for CMAT aspirants.

The CMAT admit card will be available for download in January 2026. Steps to download:

• Visit the official website.


• Click on "Download Admit Card."


• Enter your login credentials.


• Download and print the admit card for the exam day.

The CMAT cutoff varies across institutes. Factors influencing cutoffs include:

• Number of applicants


• Exam difficulty level


• Number of available seats


• Performance of candidates

The 2025 CMAT exam was moderate in difficulty. Key insights:

• Quantitative Techniques - To be updated


• Logical Reasoning - To be updated


• Language Comprehension - To be updated


• General Awareness - To be updated


• Innovation & Entrepreneurship - To be updated